From the Arcata ballpark to baseball’s biggest stage, the Humboldt Crabs’ connection to the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2026 World Series championship runs across 36 years and two generations of baseball.
Pat Casey, a 1980 Crab now serving as Milwaukee’s player development coach, and David Hamilton, a 2016 Crab playing third base for the Brewers, were both part of the championship organization.
Casey played for the Crabs following his junior season at the University of Portland, opening the 1980 campaign against the North Pole Nicks with a 4-for-9 performance, four runs scored and one RBI. He was subsequently drafted in the 10th round by the San Diego Padres.
Casey went on to become one of college baseball’s most accomplished coaches, leading Oregon State University to three NCAA national championships before joining the Brewers’ coaching staff.
Hamilton arrived in Humboldt following his senior season at San Marcos High School and was among the final players recruited by legendary Texas coach Augie Garrido. At just 18, Hamilton led the 2016 Crabs with 17 stolen bases and 36 walks.
Their paths from summer collegiate baseball in Humboldt to Milwaukee’s World Series championship illustrate the reach of one of the region’s longest-running baseball traditions.